Development Strategy - North Devon District Council

Chapter 7: Conclusions and Next Steps
7.1 Conclusions
7.1.1 The Ilfracombe Harbour Board Development Strategy sets out a
strong vision for a Harbour that has a significant long-term role in the
economic prosperity of not only Ilfracombe but the wider area of
North Devon and to seaward in the Bristol Channel. The Strategy will
support existing businesses, nurture the growth of new economic
sectors and - as a result - maintain and increase high-quality jobs in
Ilfracombe and the local area.
7.1.2 There have been ambitious plans for harbour area development since
the 1980s, but none have been realised. Despite the difficult
economic circumstances prevailing at the time of compilation of this
strategy it is felt that this is the right time to adopt an ambitious
approach. The economy will improve in the short to medium term,
there is a lot of private investment funding waiting for the right time
and suitable opportunities, and the shift in emphasis by the Coalition
towards greater local determination as evidenced by the floating of the
Community Budget Initiative indicates that there is a new mood to
allow community-led development to take place.
7.1.3 This change in emphasis from central to local government will not
have been lost on private development funders. A significant change
in approach from previous proposals will therefore require a proactive
marketing approach to the private sector to set out the opportunities
provided by an integrated suite of development projects in the
harbour, covering residential, business, leisure and fishing interests
and using a combination of private and public funds.
7.1.4 This vision is based on a sound understanding of current constraints
and opportunities, and has been tested through a process of appraising
options. This appraisal process has informed the development of the
strategy, ensuring that it balances maximising opportunities for
economic growth with planning policy considerations, sustainability
issues and the views of local people.
7.1.5 The content and development process for the Strategy has been very
positively supported by key stakeholders, particularly Ilfracombe
Town Council. It is important that the momentum that has been
gained through this process is maintained into the future, to turn the
strategic vision into reality. The remainder of this chapter therefore
sets out next steps to take the Masterplan forward in relation to:
Key Issues
• key issues;
• design guidance for specific projects; and
• funding and delivery.
7.2 Introduction
7.2.1 This section brings together and highlights key issues that are critical
in delivering the strategy setting out, where appropriate, actions that
will be required.
7.2.2 The individual development area proposals are set out independently
in Chapter 5, and this approach has been adopted in order to allow a
focussed and phased approach to planning development. It is
important to note, however, that they should not be considered as
stand-alone elements, but the combination of all is necessary to allow
realisation of the full economic benefits of the vision
7.3 Further Consultation
7.3.1 The Strategy has been developed recognising that there is a wide
range of interested parties (Annex B), and notes known views on the
constituent elements of the strategy. This will be continued in more
detail.
7.3.2 In addition, NDC Property and Technical Services and the
Community and Leisure Service both have a strong supporting role to
play in developing the harbour area vision, and an important role in its
execution.
IHB’s Development Strategy Version 1 dated 10th April 2012
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